Fly-posters have been branded thoughtless for damaging newly-planted trees.

Just six months after four young trees were planted in Abingdon's refurbished Market Place, posters fixed with a staple gun could have caused enough damage to kill them - leaving Abingdon Town Council with a £18,000 bill to replace them.

The town council spent £360,000 last summer on refurbishing the town's focal point.

New seats, hanging baskets and litter bins were installed, and the saplings planted in December.

The damage happened last Wednesday evening, when eight laminated posters, wishing a woman a happy 60th birthday, were fixed to the trees with staples. The staples had to be removed using pliers.

Steve Rich, the council's projects and technical officer, said: "There is the possibility that the trees may suffer damage and will die.

"If the trees die we will have to get contractors back in, and it could cost up to £18,000 to repair.

"It is unreasonable, to say the least."

The council reported the incident to the police and has handed in CCTV footage covering the Market Place.

Town council leader Lesley Legge said: "Having just got the Market Place up and running it's such a shame.

"The council does wish the lady a happy birthday - but we are very sad that the trees have been attacked in this thoughtless way.

"It could cost so much in damage."

Julie Mayhew-Archer, the town council's member for finance, said: "I am sure this person didn't mean any harm.

"It is just thoughtless."

Fly-posting is banned in Abingdon and is subject to a £75 fine.